Origin and distribution of facial nerve anatomy in van cats

This study aims to reveal the morphological properties of facial nerve and the middle ear in Van cats. Study material was composed of 6 female Van cats. Dissections were performed under a Zoom Stereo Microscope. There was no plexus buccalis in Van cats. The chorda tympani was observed to pass through an opening in the tympanic cavity, emerge through a small opening just behind the retroarticular process, and join the lingual nerve. A rounded anatomical formation with a size of 2.75 ± 0.3 mm was found to be located within the mastoid process of the temporal bone between the facial nerve and the auricular branch of the vagus nerve. The stapes nerve was not present. The geniculate ganglion was very prominent and about 1.00 mm high. The deep petrosal nerve was observed to emerge from the plexus tympanicus. The bulla tympanica was 18.96 ± 0.10 mm long, 13.03 ± 0.20 mm wide and 13.16 ± 0.20 mm high. After leaving the mandibular nerve, the n.tensoris tympani coursed caudally around the a.maxillaris, formed an ansa, entered the tympanic cavity through the canalis musculotubarius and reached an end in the m. tensor tympani. Due to the scarcity of studies on the middle ears of Van cats, it is thought that this study will fill a gap in the field of veterinary anatomy.

Papillary architecture of the lingual surface in the puma (Puma concolor)

This research presents the first anatomical description of the tongue and lingual papillae of the mountain lion (puma). The tongues of three adult male pumas were used in this study. The tongues were dissected and studied firstly by gross and stereomicroscopy. Samples of each part were processed by study with scanning electron microscopy. The margins of the lingual apex were surrounded by numerous filiform papillae, which had a bulky papillary body and a bifurcated tip. On the dorsal surface of the lingual apex, filiform papillae were remarkably pointed and had many secondary projections, which emerged from the base of the main papilla. In the rostral half of the lingual body, filiform papillae were longer, cylindrical and had blunt tips. On the caudal half of the lingual body, filiform papillae gave place to conical ones exhibiting a pointed tip. The fungiform papillae were scattered on the whole dorsal surface of the tongue. On each lateral half of the tongue, four circumvallate papillae were observed and each circumvallate papilla was surrounded by thick and horseshoe-like annular pad, which were composed by pointed conical papillae on the caudal border of the lingual body. The dorsal surface of the circumvallate papilla was covered by many finger-like protrusion, and the tip of each protrusion had a central orifice. Anatomical distribution of lingual papillae was different to other carnivores and represents the adaptation to the feeding habits of this mammal. General morphology of the lingual structures was similar to those of the tiger.

Gross anatomy of the heart of the alpaca (Vicugna pacos, Linnaeus 1758)

The available information about anatomical characteristics of the cardiovascular system of the alpaca (Vicugna pacos, Linnaeus 1758) is scarce. The general objective of this work was to describe its heart anatomy. We dissected six adult animals and five neonates. The heart of the alpaca was located in the middle mediastinum, with a craniocaudal extension from the third to the sixth rib. No ligament that connected the fibrous pericardium to the sternum or to the diaphragm was detected. In the right atrium, there was a developed crista terminalis and small pectinate muscles. In the right ventricle, the septomarginal trabecula was very large. From the proximities of the interventricular septum arose small septomarginal trabeculae that ended in carnous trabeculae of the septal wall. The left atrium included little developed pectinate muscles. On the left ventricle, both papillary muscles were bilobed. Two left septomarginal trabeculas were detected in this ventricle. The left subclavian artery was originated from the aortic arch separately from the brachiocephalic trunk, and bicarotid trunk was present. The other branches of the subclavian artery were similar to the domestic ruminants. The arterial supply of the heart was of the right type. In conclusion, the heart anatomy of alpaca and the irrigation of thoracic cavity were more similar to those of old world camels and different from domestic ruminants.

Macroscopic and histological investigation of guanaco footpads (Lama guanicoe, Müller 1776)

The surface of guanaco footpads is characterized by hairless skin with up to 4-mm-thick stratum corneum that protects from abrasion. The horny layer is pliable and elastic, and ensures firm contact with irregular ground. It is padded with a particular structure of the subcutaneous layer, the digital cushion. The flat cushions of each of the two digits are of elongated ovate shape, each about 45-mm long, up to 20-mm wide, and 8-mm thick. The cushions are lined by a 1-2-mm-thick capsule that resembles a tunica albuginea. The capsule consists of coarse collagen fibers, with elastic fibers absent. The cushion capsule and dermis approach each other, and fuse along a line that runs parallel to the longitudinal axes of cushion and digit. Loose connective tissue rich in elastic fibers and acidic glycosaminoglycans separates dermis and cushion capsule lateral to the narrow interconnecting zone. The cushion capsule encloses cloudy yellowish, gelatinous material. Microscopy shows bundles of elastic fibers in abundant mucinous matrix. Tightly gathered elastic bundles adjoin the inner surface of the capsule. Rough cords of elastic fibers branch out from there and traverse to the opposite side. The cushion is pressed flat, and elastic fibers are stretched when bearing weight. With relief of load, elastic fibers contract and reset the cushion's shape. Contractile cells are absent. A resistant capsule and easily malleable mucinous contents establish the functioning as a gel pad. Mucinous connective tissue between elastic fiber bundles contains abundant basophilic matrix. Hyaluronan, chondroitin sulfate, and dermatan sulfate are main matrix constituents. Spindle-shaped or stellate fibroblasts contain vimentin, S100 protein, and neuron specific enolase. Moprhology, staining characteristics and synthesis activities of these cells meet the criteria to be classified as myxoid cells. The connective tissue in guanaco digital cushions represents myxoid tissue.

Branching patterns of the left main coronary artery in the dog demonstrated by the use of corrosion casting technique

As many investigators use dogs as experimental models in catheterization-, ligation-, and collateral flow studies, knowledge and awareness of the canine left coronary artery anatomical variation is vital for differentiation between canine and human coronary arterial patterns and canine and human coronary congenital anomalies with or without circulatory importance. The present study was performed to examine and review the various principal subdivisions of the canine left main coronary artery (LMCA) in vascular casts of 20 hearts obtained from cadavers of clinically normal dogs of various ages, breeds and of either sex. A corrosion casting technique using an acrylic resin called Tensol Cement No. 70 and a lower-viscosity acrylic resin called Mercox were used to produce a three-dimensional model of the canine coronary arteries. In our study, all dog hearts were left preponderant and the patterns of the principal subdivisions of the LMCA were grouped into three types: Type 1 occurred in seven of the 20 dogs (35%), Type 2 in 12 of 20 dogs (60%) and Type 3 in one instance (5%). A comparison between the canine divisional patterns of the LMCA in the vascular casts and those reported in the literature showed major agreement.

The Syrinx of the Male Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos): Special Anatomical Features

The aim of this study was to investigate the special anatomical and topographical features of the syrinx in male adult stock ducks (Anas platyrhynchos). The syrinx of the mallard is a tracheobronchial type, consisting of a tympanum, a pessulus, medial tympaniform membranes, interanular membranes, an interbronchial ligament (bronchidesmus), and bronchosyringeal cartilage semi-rings. Using a frozen sagittal section, it was possible to document the syringeal valve at the right lateral side of the tympanum. In the male stock duck the pessulus was massive and showed a longish oval, transparent area ventrally. The middle part of the pessulus had a nose-shaped process on its left side, on which the left medial tympaniform membrane originated. The left-sided, pear-shaped syringeal bulla was divided into a left major and right minor chamber by a double-walled, semilunar and opaque septum, approximately 5-6 mm in height. The first left and right C-shaped bronchosyringeal cartilage was more prominent than the other ones and showed partial ossification. In addition, the first left bronchosyringeal cartilage was obviously thicker than the right one. In conclusion, it can be stated that the syrinx in male adult mallards shows some notable specific anatomical features that might have an influence on vocalization. However, to understand the complex mechanism of vocalization in mallards, more investigations, especially obtained by sonography and endoscopy, will be needed.

Histological Aspects of the Syrinx of the Male Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)

The syrinx of the duck is characterized by a conspicious sexual dimorphism. In the male mallard, a large osseous bulla is present on the left syringeal side. The present work describes the structures of the male syrinx, which were studied by means of histochemistry, immunohistochemistry and electron microscope. In the right distal tympanum a caudally oriented, protruding structure was observed, which was identified as the valvula syringealis. The syringeal structures like valvula, tympanum, bulla, pessulus and the bronchi were in general covered by a respiratory epithelium, however, local modifications in cellular height and numbers of ciliated and goblet cells were observed. The presence of intrinsic musculature was confirmed by means of immunohistochemistry. Smooth muscle cells reaching from the lateral parts of the inter-bronchial ligament to the medial line and cranially to the inner tympaniform membranes were demonstrated. We suppose that these muscle cells play a role in syringeal sound generation by influencing the tension of the medial tympaniform membranes.

[Compendium of the history of veterinary anatomy of Rumania: for the 100th birthday of one of their most famous anatomists, Vasile Ghetie]

The lessons of veterinary anatomy, firstly it was called "Zootomie", began in Rumania in 1853 and took place at educational establishments for ambulances and at schools for human medicine. The first veterinary school of the country was opened at the 16th of May 1861. The academically trained anatomy began with Prof. Constantin Gavrilescu. The most famous representative of anatomy was Prof. Vasile Ghetie (1903-1990). His act of life positions him beside the great anatomists of the gone century Schmaltz, Barone and Grau.

[Functional significance of musculature of the external nose in swine (Sus scrofa f. domestica)]

The origin and attachments of the muscles of the external nose were examined in 17 pigs comprising both sexes and different age groups. The modification of the porcine nasal apex to the snout-disc leads to different functional aspects of the muscles of the external nose. Accordingly, all these muscles are attached to the snout-disc. Only the nasolabial levator and caninus muscles are also attached to the upper lip. In addition, the snout-disc includes an intrinsic muscle, the nasal muscle. With regard to morphological and functional aspects, the nostrils can be divided into two parts. The superficial part consists of muscle and connective tissue and is dilated by the cooperative contraction of all muscles of the external nose. In contrast, the second and cartilaginous part of the nostrils dilates less readily, through contraction of the rostrally located deep fibres of the levator nasolabial muscle. As an adaptation for rooting, a special supportive system for muscles of the external nose has developed in pigs, including osseous (eminentia canina) and muscular (muscular slip of the m. levator labii superioris attached to the nasal bone, species-specific development of the m. levator nasolabialis) structures. The observed cartilaginous connection between the ventral lateral nasal and the vomeronasal cartilages suggests another transport mechanism for odours into the vomeronasal organ. Due to this connection, movement of the snout-disc and the cartilages of the external nose could imply passive movement of the vomeronasal cartilage and therefore of the vomeronasal organ.

[The morphology of the thyroid gland in poultry with special regard to seasonal variations]

The thyroid glands of 31 chickens at the age of 17 to 24 months were investigated. Different methods of anatomical preparation, casts of vessels and scanning electron microscopy were used. The thyroid gland of birds is a paired organ. It is located on the ventral surface of the base of the neck within the thoracic inlet. The left thyroid gland is placed more cranially than the right one. Each thyroid gland is closely connected to the common carotid artery on the medial side, from which it is supplied and to the jugular vein on the lateral side. It is a reddish-brown organ and of lenticular profile. The gland measures on average 10 mm in length, 6 mm in width and 2 mm in thickness, and is covered by a thin connective tissue capsule which holds adipose cells. It seems that each thyroid follicle is surrounded by a net of capillaries. The investigation by scanning electron microscopy proved that the follicles are oval with a pyramidal top on each end. The cuboidal epithelium cells leave impressions in the colloid. Epithelium cells carry microvilli on the follicle side surface. Described seasonal changes of the thyroid gland in size and activity were able to be confirmed by the examination of the organ in July and December. In winter the follicular cells were higher and the follicles had a greater volume.

[Scanning electron microscopic investigations on the anatomy of the fetlock joint in horses]

Striking synovial structures were taken and their surface was investigated by scanning electron microscopy. Depending where the probes were taken from, the stratum synovial was arranged in a different way. The synovial intima seems to miss under the tendon of the long/commune extensor muscle, the collateral ligaments and the sesamoidean collateral ligaments. That is why the subsynovial tissue forms the superficial layer. The surface of the probes taken sidewards to the tendon of the extensor muscle and of the synovial fold, which is situated between the metacarpus/metatarsus and the proximal phalanx as well as from the palmar/plantar recess is dominated by synovial intima. Synovial cells are mainly arranged as monolayer. Synovial cells are variable in their appearance. Some resemble blackberrys, others show a quite undulating surface. The length of processes of synovial cells differs from 2-10 microns, the diameter of the synovial cells from 5-10 microns. The space between two cells amounts to 2-10 microns. The intercellular gap is put in relation to the length of the cells' processes. The synovial intima is supposed to form a barrier between the articular cavity and the surrounding structures.

[Anatomy of the fetlock joint in horses by means of joint casts]

The equine fetlock joint cavity shows ten pouches. The dorsal recess, which is oriented to the proximal side, is separated from those three pouches, which show to the distal direction, by several capsular folds. These folds are documented by means of sagittal sections through the fetlock joint. A medial/lateral recess is covered by the deep part of the collateral ligament of the fetlock joint. The collateral ligaments as well as the sesamoidean collateral ligaments are closely connected with the joint capsule, from which two capsular folds are separated. Between the part of the sesamoidean collateral ligament, that inserts to the metacarpus/metatarsus and the part that inserts to the proximal phalanx, the fetlock joint cavity pouches as Recessus palmaris/plantaris distalis medialis/lateralis. The palmar/plantar distal pouch, which lies in the median line, is covered by the Ligamentum sesamoideum rectum. This recess is narrowed down by the cruciated sesamoidean ligaments. The dominant palmar/plantar proximal recess is subdivided into several small pouches by strings or bands of the joint capsule, which can already be seen with an unaided eye.

[Scanning electron microscopy of the synovial membrane of the distal phalangeal joint and the navicular bursa in horses]

20 extremities of horses were used to investigate the synovial membrane of the distal interphalangeal joint and the navicular bursa. From each extremity five specimens were taken from the distal interphalangeal joint capsule, two further from the navicular bursa. Synovial villi were found near the articular cartilage as well as everywhere where the joint capsule did not form a tight periostal cover or was not connected with ligaments or tendons. Some lay between the articular surfaces of the phalanx media and phalanx distalis. Besides synovial villi and synovial folds "trabecular-like" cords of synovial membrane were demonstrated in the dorsal recess of the distal interphalangeal joint. These extend from one side of synovial membrane to another but they do not have a free ending. The surface of the synovial membrane and the arrangement of several synovial structures are documented.

[Morphology of the ligamentum glenohumerale mediale in shoulder joints of dogs]

This study was performed on the shoulder joints of 23 dogs of different age and sex. The purpose was to examine the medial wall of the articulatio humeri as well as the intraarticular position of the ligamentum glenohumerale mediale. The examinations showed an attachment of the ligamentum glenohumerale mediale at the articular capsule by crossing the capsule and forming an intraarticular structure. Section of frozen shoulders showed that the ligamentum glenohumerale mediale separated the cavitas glenoidalis of the scapula and the caput humeri of the humerus from medial like a meniscus. Histological sections were remarkable because of the fibrocartilaginous structure. The attachment of the ligament arised from the tendon of the musculus subscapularis and divided the recessus m. subscapularis into two subpouches. The lateral one was more capacious and more extended under the tendon of m. subscapularis.

[The blood supply to the stomach of the dog--a corrosion cast and scanning electron microscopic study]

An unimpaired vascular circulation is vital for gastric function. The arteries of the stomach originate from the coeliac artery; the veins lead to the portal vein. Arteries in the right half of the organ form a perigastric circle of anastomosing vessels, which is lacking on the left side. The basal capillary network of the gastric submucosa shows no important regional differences. Territories of vascularisation are documented for the canine stomach.

[Thr arteries of the male sex organs of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) and their development after hatching]

A total of 83 male Japanese quails of the following age groups were used for this study: 11, 18, 25, 32, 35, 37, 39, 41, 43 days, and 7, 9, 17 weeks after hatching. Neoprene-Latex, Tensol-Cement, and the china ink were injected via the aortic arch. In most of male Japanese quails, the testes are supplied by the A. testicularis originated from the Aorta descendens through a common trunk with the A. renalis cranialis. But in only 3 quails had this artery originated directly from the Aorta descendens on either side. In 9 quails had the A. testicularis accessoria originating independently from the Aorta descendens and running cranially or caudally in short distance to the normal A. testicularis. The arteries for the Ductus deferens were divided into 3 categories. The Rami ureterodeferentiales craniales were spread out from A. testicularis or Rami epididymales. The Rami ureterodeferentiales medii came from the A. renalis media and the A. renalis caudalis. The Rami ureterodeferentiales caudales originated from the A. caudae lateralis and A. pudenda. The Receptaculum ductus deferentis, the Corpus vasculare paracloacalis and the Phallus nonprotrudens in the Cloaca were supplied from the thick Ramus cloacalis of the A. pudenda. The Ramus bursalis of this artery supplied the Glandula proctodaealis and the Bursa cloacalis, and was also thick. The arteries to the genital organs were observed in the 11 day old male quail. The A. pudenda began developing at about 30 days after hatching when the quail's body matured. While the A. testicularis began developing at about 40 days after hatching when the male Japanese quail was full of the spermatogenic activity.

[Corrosion anatomical and scanning electron microscopic studies of the blood vessels in the digital end organ of the hindlimb of cattle]

By aid of modern corrosion anatomical methods the afferent and efferent blood vessels as well as the microvasculature of the corium of the pelvic limb digit were investigated. The longest papillae are to be found in the perioptic corium. In the coronary corium the length decreases from proximal to distal. In the caudal section of the digital cushion the papillae show a typical, regular wavy form, whorl formation is rare.